Chelsea’s sale of Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr for £19.1m is a significant move for the club as it helps them balance the books. The 19-year-old, who never played a competitive match for Chelsea, was signed from Santos last summer for £13m. He spent last season on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, making 24 appearances.
Angelo’s sale will give Chelsea a profit of nearly £6m on the fee they paid for him, taking their total earnings from player sales to £188.9m. When considering the money received from loan fees and sell-on clauses, the total is likely to exceed £200m. This helps to offset the £208.5m spent on buying 11 players, excluding two future signings.
While Chelsea’s transfer strategy may appear chaotic due to their busy activity in the market, it is both profitable and indicative of a plan. The club aims to sign young players who have yet to reach their full potential, either developing them into first-team players or selling them for a quick profit. The association with Chelsea itself is believed to increase the value of players, and they have the option of sending them on loan to Strasbourg before selling them.
The signing of Angelo raised eyebrows initially, as he was struggling for form and playing time in Brazil in 2023. However, these figures demonstrate the potential for profit when signing young players. Chelsea’s approach highlights the club’s ability to identify talent and maximize its value, ultimately benefiting their financial situation.
Overall, the sale of Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr not only helps Chelsea balance the books but also showcases their strategic approach to transfers. By investing in young players and carefully managing their development and sale, the club can generate significant profits. This demonstrates their ability to operate successfully in the transfer market and solidifies their reputation as a club with a clear plan for sustained success.